US Navy Seabees Turnover Work Improvements of DSWD-7 Facilities

A touching but happy moment filled the atmosphere when US Navy Seabees finally turned over the completion of renovations of four facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7), a week before their stay ends in the country.

DSWD-7 regional director Mercedita Jabagat expressed her gratitude for the assistance of the US Navy Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) Philippines who have been here for six months to help build school buildings and rehabilitate public facilities.

“Government cannot do it alone. We needs partnerships from the private sector and civic organizations to help us provide the best environment possible especially for our persons with disabilities and victims of some circumstances,” said Jabagat.

The ceremony marked the culmination of work by the Seabees and the Philippine Army engineers from the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as they improved four facilities of DSWD-7.

These facilities are the Home for Girls Dormitory, Persons with Disabilities Dormitory, Regional Haven and the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center located in Labangon, Cebu City.

Jeram Ejercito, a PWD whose legs were amputated could not express his gratitude enough. “I am very thankful to the Seabees for helping in the improvement of our facilities especially the path walk which enables me to walk more steadily and safely,” said Ejercito who is being taught in the center on furniture and cabinet making.

The four facilities are where DSWD-7 provides a home environment to trafficked minors, victims of domestic violence and other victims of circumstances as well as PWDs. They are taught massage therapy, cabinet and furniture making and computer repair among others.

Marinel Kumba, 11 years old also thanked the seabees wishing them ‘long life’ for the good deeds they have done expressing her happiness for the gifts and sports equipment the US CCAD team gave the children.

“More than the materials and your efforts, what will leave us longer is your warmth, kindness and the time you spent with the children, girls and the persons with disabilities,” said Hermania Cabahug, director of the DSWD facilities in Labangon.

“Work improvements on the four facilities cost US $13,200 and took almost two months to complete,” said Lt. Mike Sapienza, US Navy CCAD PH head.

Sapienza said they leave in a week’s time as another batch of Seabees will replace their 26-men team. The new batch will take over the continuing construction of two public school buildings in Todelo City and in the town of Aloguinsan which is expected to finish by May.

“I will definitely miss the Philippines and the people who have been very kind to us. Our work here is very rewarding where we contributed to a better life even just in a small way,” said Sapienza. (mbcn/fcr/PIA-7)